It's been a week and a day since the last time I posted an idea from Craft Chi (are you saving your wine corks? I am!). If she keeps up the pace I may have to put her on my payroll, because this is another excellent idea for people with an excess of adorable clothing that's no longer wearable.

This tote is made out of a girl's dress (and includes an optional section made of quilted fabric, but you wouldn't need to bother with that). Think of it: all those dresses that you're too sentimental to part with, just gathering mildew in a box in the garage. Why the heck would you not make one or two or twelve into a handbag? She uses contrasting fabric for the binding, but you could use a sash or store-bought trim, or a piece of another item of clothing, or whatever you want.

I love that it's handmade, I love that it's an automatic keepsake, and I love that it repurposes something that may otherwise sit unused in obscurity for decades. Guess what all the grandmas and aunties are getting for the holidays this year.

(photo from Craft Chi)